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AWS Officially Launched Its Quantum Computing Service

It seemed as if AWS was lagging behind Google, Microsoft, and IBM when it comes to quantum computing but they’ve finally taken a step forward with their latest announcement.

AWS has officially announced the preview launch of its first-ever quantum computing service known as Braket. However, AWS is still not building their own quantum computer. Instead, they chose to partner with IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave in providing computing services through the cloud.

The Purpose Behind Braket

There is no doubt that Braket is an innovative computing service that will surely leave an impact on development processes. The tool can be used to build quantum algorithms and create basic applications. These same applications can later be tested in simulations on AWS or other computing hardware from the company’s partners.

“D-Wave’s quantum systems and our Leap cloud environment were both purpose-built to make practical application development a reality today and, in turn, fuel real-world business advantage for our customers,” said D-Wave’s chief product officer and EVP of R&D, Alan Baratz. “Amazon’s Braket will open the door to more smart developers who will build the quantum future, and the forward-thinking executives who will transform industries.”

It was a smart move for AWS to decide to move forward with innovating in the quantum computing space without actually creating their quantum computer. By partnering up with firms that can provide the necessary hardware, AWS found a way to leave an impact in this field without insane amounts of time and funding that would be spent in building a computer.

“By collaborating with AWS, we will be able to deliver access to our systems to a much broader market and help accelerate the growth of this emerging industry,” said Chad Rigetti, founder and CEO of Rigetti Computing.

The main purpose behind Braket is to provide developers easy access to all the tools they need through a single and simple interface. On the other side, Braket allows its partners to gain a wider reach and recognition, which is something they wouldn’t find easily without AWS.

AWS Focuses on Accessibility

It is also important to address that AWS is not planning to install this quantum hardware in its own data centers. They are only seeking a unified way to access the machines and hardware that their partners already offer. In that sense, AWS can be considered the middleman of this quantum computing scenario.

Moreover, AWS has also announced the launch of the AWS Center for Quantum Computing and the AWS Quantum Solutions Lab. This innovation will provide a solution for researchers who want to collaborate around the new quantum technology.

“We believe that quantum computing will be a cloud-first technology and that the cloud will be the main way customers access the hardware,” said Charlie Bell, the senior vice president, Utility Computing Services, AWS. “With our Amazon Braket service and Amazon Quantum Solutions Lab, we’re making it easier for customers to gain experience using quantum computers and to work with experts from AWS and our partners to figure out how they can benefit from the technology. And with our AWS Center for Quantum Computing and academic partnerships, we join the effort across the scientific and industrial communities to help accelerate the promise of quantum computing.”

Ilker Koksal is a technology entrepreneur, having listed at Forbes 30Under30, Enterprise Technology category. He has founded two startups; one is sold, other is still

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Ilker Koksal is a technology entrepreneur, having listed at Forbes 30Under30, Enterprise Technology category. He has founded two startups; one is sold, other is still ongoing. He's also the author of Founder's FAQ and has a BS degree in Computer Science and an MBA.